Commissioners add multiple resolutions, including two floodplain buyouts, to May 13 consent agenda

The Somerset County Board of Commissioners on April 22 voted by roll call to add several resolutions to its May 13 consent agenda, including two open-space acquisitions aimed at preventing development in flood-prone areas and advancing the Raritan River Greenway.

In a presentation to commissioners, county staff described Resolution 25-900 as an authorized purchase of real property known as Block 9, Lots 25 through 31 in the Borough of Manville, owned by Michael Chhabra, for a total not to exceed $110,000. Staff said the vacant parcel sits within the 100-year floodplain, lies near properties designated as severe repetitive loss, and would be revegetated to enhance flood storage and prevent future development.

Staff described Resolution 25-901 as an authorized purchase of Block 116.02, Lot 7 in the Borough of Raritan (owned by DNB Associates) for a total not to exceed $1,526,950. County staff said the parcel contains a 1- and 2-story masonry building used by the owner’s contracting business; the purchase would remove impervious surface from the floodplain, support the Raritan River Greenway bikeway and offer opportunities for revegetation and flood storage.

The board approved adding Resolutions 25-900 and 25-901 to the May 13 consent agenda by roll call. The vote record at the work session showed Commissioner Drake, Commissioner Singletary, Commissioner Tsui, Deputy Director Murano and Director Robinson voting yes to add the items.

Votes at a glance (consent additions and key items described at the April 22 work session): - Resolution 25-900: Purchase of Block 9, Lots 25–31, Borough of Manville (owner Michael Chhabra); total not to exceed $110,000. Added to May 13 consent agenda by roll call (all present voted yes). - Resolution 25-901: Purchase of Block 116.02, Lot 7, Borough of Raritan (DNB Associates); total not to exceed $1,526,950. Added to May 13 consent agenda by roll call (all present voted yes). - Resolutions 25-902 through 25-950: A larger group of previously described contracts, consultant modifications and awards (including bridge/structure maintenance contracts, consultant design modifications, operating contracts and purchase approvals) were added to the May 13 consent agenda by roll call (all present voted yes). Examples discussed by staff included: - Resolution 25-906: Award to Corpus Corp. for structural repairs of bridges and structures (year one of a two-year contract); staff stated amount not to exceed $2,246,803.40. - Resolution 25-907: Final payment and change order for BDA Electrical Contractor LLC (lighting and electrical upgrades to the Boerne Field parking deck); final contract amount $994,431 (a decrease of $24,569 from the as-bid amount). - Resolution 25-908: Consultant modification to DMR Architects for design of a multiuse warehouse facility; new contract amount not to exceed $1,262,500 (includes sub-slab depressurization and site adjustments). - Resolution 25-912: Transportation services contract award to Somerset County Board of Social Services for 2025; total not to exceed $42,271. - Resolution 25-935: Certification of funds for Whitson for shelf-stable and home-delivered meals; total not to exceed $110,302.

Separately, the board also voted to add Resolutions 25-849 through 25-857 to the agenda for an upcoming 6:00 meeting; commissioners voted by roll call to place those items on the June docket.

Why it matters: staff and commissioners framed the acquisitions as part of flood mitigation and Raritan River Greenway continuity. The purchases would remove impervious surface from floodplain areas and allow revegetation to increase flood storage. Several contract awards added to the May 13 consent agenda cover capital maintenance, consultant work and routine county services.

Next steps: the listed resolutions will appear on the May 13 consent agenda for formal adoption. Staff said environmental due diligence (Phase I/Phase II reviews) and contract closings may follow; for the Raritan parcel staff noted they will verify remediation documentation to avoid inheriting monitoring or cleanup responsibilities before final contract execution.